U.S. patent application number 13/908437 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for method and apparatus for controlling vibration intensity according to situation awareness in electronic device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Min-Young KIM.
Application Number | 20140049883 13/908437 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48746228 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140049883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Min-Young |
February 20, 2014 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING VIBRATION INTENSITY ACCORDING
TO SITUATION AWARENESS IN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
A method of controlling vibration is provided. The method
includes determining whether the electronic device is located on a
flat surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs,
measuring a first noise signal level before driving a vibration
motor by using a microphone of the electronic device if the
electronic device is located on the flat surface, measuring a
second noise signal level after driving the vibration motor at a
minimum vibration intensity, and controlling a driving intensity of
the vibration motor by comparing the first noise signal level and
the second noise signal level. Accordingly, an excessive noise may
be avoided if a portable terminal vibrates on a hard surface such
as a desk.
Inventors: |
KIM; Min-Young;
(Seongnam-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
48746228 |
Appl. No.: |
13/908437 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.01 ;
318/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2250/12 20130101;
H04M 1/72569 20130101; H02P 31/00 20130101; H04M 19/047
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.01 ;
318/114 |
International
Class: |
H02P 31/00 20060101
H02P031/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 20, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0090803 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling vibration in an electronic device, the
method comprising: determining whether the electronic device is
located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an electronic
device occurs; measuring a first noise signal level before driving
a vibration motor by using a microphone of the electronic device if
the electronic device is located on the flat surface; measuring a
second noise signal level after driving the vibration motor at a
minimum vibration intensity; and controlling a driving intensity of
the vibration motor by comparing the first noise signal level and
the second noise signal level.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling of the driving
intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the first noise
signal level and the second noise signal level comprises:
increasing the driving intensity of the vibration motor by one
level if a difference of the first noise signal level and the
second noise signal level is less than a threshold; and maintaining
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the
difference of the first noise signal level and the second noise
signal level is greater than the threshold.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the measuring of the second noise
signal level after driving the vibration motor at the minimum
vibration intensity comprises: determining an oscillation frequency
of the vibration motor; filtering a noise generated due to the
driving of the vibration motor from the second noise signal
according to the oscillation frequency of the vibration motor; and
measuring the filtered second noise signal level.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining of whether the
electronic device is located on the flat surface comprises
analyzing at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising driving the vibration
motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic device is
not located on the flat surface.
6. A method of controlling vibration, the method comprising:
determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat
surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs;
measuring a first noise signal level after driving a vibration
motor at a minimum vibration intensity by using a microphone of the
electronic device if the electronic device is located on the flat
surface; measuring a second noise signal level after removing a
noise generated due to the driving of the vibration motor by
filtering the first noise signal; and controlling a driving
intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the first noise
signal level and the second noise signal level.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the controlling of the driving
intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the first noise
signal level and the second noise signal level comprises:
increasing the driving intensity of the vibration motor by one
level if a difference of the first noise signal level and the
second noise signal level is less than a threshold; and maintaining
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the
difference of the first noise signal level and the second noise
signal level is greater than the threshold.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the measuring of the first noise
signal level after driving the vibration motor at the minimum
vibration intensity comprises: determining an oscillation frequency
of the vibration motor; filtering a noise generated due to the
driving of the vibration motor from the first noise signal
according to the oscillation frequency of the vibration motor; and
measuring the filtered first noise signal level.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein the determining of whether the
electronic device is located on the flat surface comprises
analyzing at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
10. The method of claim 6, further comprising driving the vibration
motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic device is
not located on the flat surface.
11. A method of controlling vibration, the method comprising:
determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat
surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs;
measuring a noise signal level after driving a vibration motor at a
minimum vibration intensity by using a microphone of the electronic
device if the electronic device is located on the flat surface; and
increasing a driving intensity of the vibration motor by one level
if the measured noise signal level is less than a threshold.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising maintaining the
current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the noise
signal level is greater than the threshold.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the determining of whether the
electronic device is located on the flat surface comprises
analyzing at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising driving the
vibration motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface.
15. A method of controlling vibration, the method comprising:
determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat
surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs;
measuring a noise signal level after driving a vibration motor at a
minimum vibration intensity by using a microphone of the electronic
device if the electronic device is located on the flat surface;
extracting a noise generated due to the driving of the vibration
motor by filtering the noise signal; and increasing a driving
intensity of the vibration motor by one level if the noise
generated due to the driving of the vibration motor is less than a
threshold.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising maintaining the
current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the noise
generated due to the driving of the vibration motor is greater than
the threshold.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the extracting of the noise
generated due to the driving of the vibration motor by filtering
the noise signal comprises: determining an oscillation frequency of
the vibration motor; filtering a noise generated due to the driving
of the vibration motor from the noise signal on the basis of the
oscillation frequency of the vibration motor; and measuring the
filtered noise signal level.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the determining of whether the
electronic device is located on the flat surface comprises
analyzing at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising driving the
vibration motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface.
20. A method of controlling vibration, the method comprising:
determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat
surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs;
measuring a first noise signal level after driving a vibration
motor at a minimum vibration intensity by using a microphone of the
electronic device if the electronic device is located on the flat
surface; deactivating the vibration motor; measuring a second noise
signal level after the deactivating of the vibration motor and
before again driving the vibration motor by using the microphone of
the electronic device; and controlling a driving intensity of the
vibration motor by comparing the first noise signal level and the
second noise signal level.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the controlling of the driving
intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the first noise
signal level and the second noise signal level comprises:
increasing the driving intensity of the vibration motor by one
level if a difference of the first noise signal level and the
second noise signal level is less than a threshold; and maintaining
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the
difference of the first noise signal level and the second noise
signal level is greater than the threshold.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the determining of whether the
electronic device is located on the flat surface comprises
analyzing at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
23. The method of claim 20, further comprising driving the
vibration motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface.
24. An electronic device comprising: a vibration motor; at least
one processor; a memory; and at least one instruction set stored in
the memory and configured to be executed by the at least one
processor, wherein the at least one instruction set comprises: an
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an electronic
device occurs; an instruction for measuring a first noise signal
level before driving a vibration motor by using a microphone of the
electronic device if the electronic device is located on the flat
surface; an instruction for measuring a second noise signal level
after driving the vibration motor at a minimum vibration intensity;
and an instruction for controlling a driving intensity of the
vibration motor by comparing the first noise signal level and the
second noise signal level.
25. The electronic device of claim 24, wherein the instruction for
controlling the driving intensity of the vibration motor by
comparing the first noise signal level and the second noise signal
level comprises: an instruction for increasing the driving
intensity of the vibration motor by one level if a difference of
the first noise signal level and the second noise signal level is
less than a threshold; and an instruction for maintaining the
current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the difference
of the first noise signal level and the second noise signal level
is greater than the threshold.
26. The electronic device of claim 24, wherein the instruction for
measuring the second noise signal level after driving the vibration
motor at the minimum vibration intensity comprises: an instruction
for determining an oscillation frequency of the vibration motor; an
instruction for filtering a noise generated due to the driving of
the vibration motor from the second noise signal according to the
oscillation frequency of the vibration motor; and an instruction
for measuring the filtered second noise signal level.
27. The electronic device of claim 24, wherein the instruction for
determining whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises an instruction for analyzing at least one
detection signal by using at least one of an acceleration sensor, a
gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity sensor.
28. The electronic device of claim 24, wherein the program further
comprises an instruction for driving the vibration motor at a
pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic device is not located
on the flat surface.
29. An electronic device comprising: a vibration motor; at least
one or more processor; a memory; and at least one instruction set
stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the at least
one processor, wherein the at least one instruction set comprises:
an instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an electronic
device occurs; an instruction for measuring a first noise signal
level after driving a vibration motor at a minimum vibration
intensity by using a microphone of the electronic device if the
electronic device is located on the flat surface; an instruction
for measuring a second noise signal level after removing noise
generated due to the driving of the vibration motor by filtering
the first noise signal; and an instruction for controlling a
driving intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the first
noise signal level and the second noise signal level.
30. The electronic device of claim 29, wherein the instruction for
controlling the driving intensity of the vibration motor by
comparing the first noise signal level and the second noise signal
level comprises: an instruction for increasing the driving
intensity of the vibration motor by one level if a difference of
the first noise signal level and the second noise signal level is
less than a threshold; and an instruction for maintaining the
current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the difference
of the first noise signal level and the second noise signal level
is greater than the threshold.
31. The electronic device of claim 29, wherein the instruction for
measuring the first noise signal level after driving the vibration
motor at the minimum vibration intensity comprises: an instruction
for determining an oscillation frequency of the vibration motor; an
instruction for filtering a noise generated due to the driving of
the vibration motor from the first noise signal according to the
oscillation frequency of the vibration motor; and an instruction
for measuring the filtered first noise signal level.
32. The electronic device of claim 29, wherein the instruction for
determining whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises an instruction for analyzing at least one
detection signal by using at least one of an acceleration sensor, a
gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity sensor.
33. The electronic device of claim 29, wherein the program further
comprises an instruction for driving the vibration motor at a
pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic device is not located
on the flat surface.
34. An electronic device comprising: a vibration motor; at least
one processor; a memory; and at least one instruction set stored in
the memory and configured to be executed by the at least one
processor, wherein the at least one instruction set comprises: an
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an electronic
device occurs; an instruction for measuring a noise signal level
after driving a vibration motor at a minimum vibration intensity by
using a microphone of the electronic device if the electronic
device is located on the flat surface; and an instruction for
increasing a driving intensity of the vibration motor by one level
if the measured noise signal level is less than a threshold.
35. The electronic device of claim 34, wherein the program further
comprises an instruction for maintaining the current driving
intensity of the vibration motor if the noise signal level is
greater than the threshold.
36. The electronic device of claim 34, wherein the instruction for
determining whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises an instruction for analyzing at least one
detection signal by using at least one of an acceleration sensor, a
gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity sensor.
37. The electronic device of claim 34, wherein the program further
comprises an instruction for driving the vibration motor at a
pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic device is not located
on the flat surface.
38. An electronic device comprising: a vibration motor; at least
one processor; a memory; and at least one instruction set stored in
the memory and configured to be executed by the at least one
processor, wherein the at least one instruction set comprises: an
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an electronic
device occurs; an instruction for measuring a noise signal level
after driving a vibration motor at a minimum vibration intensity by
using a microphone of the electronic device if the electronic
device is located on the flat surface; an instruction for
extracting a noise generated due to the driving of the vibration
motor by filtering the noise signal; and an instruction for
increasing a driving intensity of the vibration motor by one level
if the noise generated due to the driving of the vibration motor is
less than a threshold.
39. The electronic device of claim 38, wherein the instruction set
further comprises an instruction for maintaining the current
driving intensity of the vibration motor if the noise generated due
to the driving of the vibration motor is greater than the
threshold.
40. The electronic device of claim 38, wherein the instruction for
extracting the noise generated due to the driving of the vibration
motor by filtering the noise signal comprises: an instruction for
determining an oscillation frequency of the vibration motor; an
instruction for filtering a noise generated due to the driving of
the vibration motor from the noise signal on the basis of the
oscillation frequency of the vibration motor; and an instruction
for measuring the filtered noise signal level.
41. The electronic device of claim 38, wherein the instruction for
determining whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises an instruction for analyzing at least one
detection signal by using at least one of an acceleration sensor, a
gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity sensor.
42. The electronic device of claim 38, wherein the program further
comprises an instruction for driving the vibration motor at a
pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic device is not located
on the flat surface.
43. An electronic device comprising: a vibration motor; at least
one processor; a memory; and at least one instruction set stored in
the memory and configured to be executed by the at least one
processor, wherein the at least one instruction set comprises: an
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an electronic
device occurs; an instruction for measuring a first noise signal
level after driving a vibration motor at a minimum vibration
intensity, by using a microphone of the electronic device if the
electronic device is located on the flat surface; an instruction
for deactivating the vibration motor; an instruction for measuring
a second noise signal level after the deactivating of the vibration
motor and before again driving the vibration motor by using the
microphone of the electronic device; and an instruction for
controlling a driving intensity of the vibration motor by comparing
the first noise signal level and the second noise signal level.
44. The electronic device of claim 43, wherein the instruction for
controlling the driving intensity of the vibration motor by
comparing the first noise signal level and the second noise signal
level comprises: an instruction for increasing the driving
intensity of the vibration motor by one level if a difference of
the first noise signal level and the second noise signal level is
less than a threshold; and an instruction for maintaining the
current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the difference
of the first noise signal level and the second noise signal level
is greater than the threshold.
45. The electronic device of claim 43, wherein the instruction for
determining whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises an instruction for analyzing at least one
detection signal by using at least one of an acceleration sensor, a
gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity sensor.
46. The electronic device of claim 43, wherein the program further
comprises an instruction for driving the vibration motor at a
pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic device is not located
on the flat surface.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(a) of a Korean patent application filed in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 20, 2012 and assigned Serial
No. 10-2012-0090803, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an electronic device. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a method and
apparatus for controlling a driving intensity of a vibration motor
in an electronic device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] When a portable terminal receives a call in a vibration
mode, the call is reported to a user by vibrating a vibration motor
instead of making a bell sound. The vibration of the portable
terminal is generated by driving the vibration motor included in
the portable terminal, and strength of the vibration may be
constant according to a pre-set vibration intensity.
[0006] When the vibrating portable terminal is located on a hard
surface, such as a desk, the vibration may cause the generation of
an excessive noise due to the portable terminal vibrating on the
hard surface. The generation of such a high-level of noise does not
meet a purpose of the vibration mode, that purpose being silent
operation of the portable terminal and noise prevention, which
results in inconvenience of use.
[0007] However, if the vibration motor is designed to have a weak
vibration strength to address this problem, the user may not be
able to recognize the vibration when the portable terminal is
grabbled by a hand of the user or is located in a pocket or a
bag.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for
controlling a vibration intensity in a portable terminal according
to situation awareness.
[0009] The above information is presented as background information
only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No
determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to
whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with
regard to the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Aspects of the present invention are to address at least the
above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at
least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the
present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for
controlling vibration intensity in an electronic device according
to situation awareness.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method and apparatus for decreasing vibration intensity when a
portable terminal is located on a hard surface such as a desk while
eliminating an excessive noise generated if the portable terminal
vibrates on the hard surface.
[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
method of controlling vibration is provided. The method includes,
determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat
surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs,
measuring a first noise signal level before driving a vibration
motor by using a microphone of the electronic device if the
electronic device is located on the flat surface, measuring a
second noise signal level after driving the vibration motor at a
minimum vibration intensity, and controlling a driving intensity of
the vibration motor by comparing the first noise signal level and
the second noise signal level.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
determining of whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises analyzing at least one detection signal by using
at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a
proximity sensor.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method
further includes driving the vibration motor at a pre-set vibration
intensity if the electronic device is not located on the flat
surface.
[0014] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
method of controlling vibration is provided. The method includes
determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat
surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs,
measuring a first noise signal level after driving a vibration
motor at a minimum vibration intensity by using a microphone of the
electronic device if the electronic device is located on the flat
surface, measuring a second noise signal level after removing a
noise generated due to the driving of the vibration motor by
filtering the first noise signal, and controlling a driving
intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the first noise
signal level and the second noise signal level.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
determining of whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises analyzing at least one detection signal by using
at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a
proximity sensor.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
method further includes driving the vibration motor at a pre-set
vibration intensity if the electronic device is not located on the
flat surface.
[0017] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
method of controlling vibration is provided. The method includes
determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat
surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs,
measuring a noise signal level after driving a vibration motor at a
minimum vibration intensity by using a microphone of the electronic
device if the electronic device is located on the flat surface, and
increasing a driving intensity of the vibration motor by one level
if the measured noise signal level is less than a threshold.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
determining of whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises analyzing at least one detection signal by using
at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a
proximity sensor.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
method further includes driving the vibration motor at a pre-set
vibration intensity if the electronic device is not located on the
flat surface.
[0020] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
method of controlling vibration is provided. The method includes
determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat
surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs,
measuring a noise signal level after driving a vibration motor at a
minimum vibration intensity by using a microphone of the electronic
device if the electronic device is located on the flat surface,
extracting a noise generated due to the driving of the vibration
motor by filtering the noise signal, and increasing a driving
intensity of the vibration motor by one level if the noise
generated due to the driving of the vibration motor is less than a
threshold.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
determining of whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises analyzing at least one detection signal by using
at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a
proximity sensor.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
method further includes driving the vibration motor at a pre-set
vibration intensity if the electronic device is not located on the
flat surface.
[0023] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
method of controlling vibration is provided. The method includes
determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat
surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs,
measuring a first noise signal level after driving a vibration
motor at a minimum vibration intensity by using a microphone of the
electronic device if the electronic device is located on the flat
surface, deactivating the vibration motor, measuring a second noise
signal level after deactivating the vibration motor and before
again driving the vibration motor by using the microphone of the
electronic device, and controlling a driving intensity of the
vibration motor by comparing the first noise signal level and the
second noise signal level.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
determining of whether the electronic device is located on the flat
surface comprises analyzing at least one detection signal by using
at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a
proximity sensor.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
method further includes driving the vibration motor at a pre-set
vibration intensity if the electronic device is not located on the
flat surface. In accordance with an aspect of the present
invention, an electronic device of controlling vibration is
provided. The electronic device includes a vibration motor, at
least one processor, a memory, and at least one instruction set
stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the at least
one processor. The at least one instruction set includes an
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an electronic
device occurs, an instruction for measuring a first noise signal
level before driving a vibration motor by using a microphone of the
electronic device if the electronic device is located on the flat
surface, an instruction for measuring a second noise signal level
after driving the vibration motor at a minimum vibration intensity,
and an instruction for controlling a driving intensity of the
vibration motor by comparing the first noise signal level and the
second noise signal level.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for controlling the driving intensity of the vibration
motor by comparing the first noise signal level and the second
noise signal level comprises an instruction for increasing the
driving intensity of the vibration motor by one level if a
difference of the first noise signal level and the second noise
signal level is less than a threshold and an instruction for
maintaining the current driving intensity of the vibration motor if
the difference of the first noise signal level and the second noise
signal level is greater than the threshold.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for measuring the second noise signal level after
driving the vibration motor at the minimum vibration intensity
comprises an instruction for determining an oscillation frequency
of the vibration motor, an instruction for filtering a noise
generated due to the driving of the vibration motor from the second
noise signal according to the oscillation frequency of the
vibration motor and an instruction for measuring the filtered
second noise signal level.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on the flat surface comprises an instruction for analyzing
at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction set further comprises an instruction for driving the
vibration motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface.
[0030] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an
electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a
vibration motor, at least one processor, a memory, and at least one
instruction set stored in the memory and configured to be executed
by the at least one processor. The at least one instruction set
includes an instruction for determining whether the electronic
device is located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an
electronic device occurs, an instruction for measuring a first
noise signal level after driving a vibration motor at a minimum
vibration intensity by using a microphone of the electronic device
if the electronic device is located on the flat surface, an
instruction for measuring a second noise signal level after
removing noise generated due to the driving of the vibration motor
by filtering the first noise signal, and an instruction for
controlling a driving intensity of the vibration motor by comparing
the first noise signal level and the second noise signal level.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for controlling the driving intensity of the vibration
motor by comparing the first noise signal level and the second
noise signal level comprises an instruction for increasing the
driving intensity of the vibration motor by one level if a
difference of the first noise signal level and the second noise
signal level is less than a threshold and an instruction for
maintaining the current driving intensity of the vibration motor if
the difference of the first noise signal level and the second noise
signal level is greater than the threshold.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for measuring the first noise signal level after
driving the vibration motor at the minimum vibration intensity
comprises an instruction for determining an oscillation frequency
of the vibration motor, an instruction for filtering a noise
generated due to the driving of the vibration motor from the first
noise signal according to the oscillation frequency of the
vibration motor and an instruction for measuring the filtered first
noise signal level.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on the flat surface comprises an instruction for analyzing
at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction set further comprises an instruction for driving the
vibration motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface.
[0035] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an
electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a
vibration motor, at least one processor, a memory, and at least one
instruction set stored in the memory and configured to be executed
by the at least one processor. The at least one instruction set
includes an instruction for determining whether the electronic
device is located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an
electronic device occurs, an instruction for measuring a noise
signal level after driving a vibration motor at a minimum vibration
intensity by using a microphone of the electronic device if the
electronic device is located on the flat surface, and an
instruction for increasing a driving intensity of the vibration
motor by one level if the measured noise signal level is less than
a threshold.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction set further comprises an instruction for maintaining
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the noise
signal level is greater than the threshold.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on the flat surface comprises an instruction for analyzing
at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction set further comprises an instruction for driving the
vibration motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface.
[0039] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an
electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a
vibration motor, at least one processor, a memory, and at least one
instruction set stored in the memory and configured to be executed
by the at least one processor. The at least one instruction set
includes an instruction for determining whether the electronic
device is located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an
electronic device occurs, an instruction for measuring a noise
signal level after driving a vibration motor at a minimum vibration
intensity by using a microphone of the electronic device if the
electronic device is located on the flat surface, an instruction
for extracting a noise generated due to the driving of the
vibration motor by filtering the noise signal, and an instruction
for increasing a driving intensity of the vibration motor by one
level if the noise generated due to the driving of the vibration
motor is less than a threshold.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction set further comprises an instruction for maintaining
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor if the noise
generated due to the driving of the vibration motor is greater than
the threshold.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for extracting the noise generated due to the driving
of the vibration motor by filtering the noise signal comprises an
instruction for determining an oscillation frequency of the
vibration motor, an instruction for filtering a noise generated due
to the driving of the vibration motor from the noise signal on the
basis of the oscillation frequency of the vibration motor and an
instruction for measuring the filtered noise signal level.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on the flat surface comprises an instruction for analyzing
at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction set further comprises an instruction for driving the
vibration motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface.
[0044] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an
electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a
vibration motor, at least one processor, a memory, and at least one
instruction set stored in the memory and configured to be executed
by the at least one processor. The at least one instruction set
includes an instruction for determining whether the electronic
device is located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an
electronic device occurs, an instruction for measuring a first
noise signal level after driving a vibration motor at a minimum
vibration intensity by using a microphone of the electronic device
if the electronic device is located on the flat surface, an
instruction for deactivating the vibration motor, an instruction
for measuring a second noise signal level after the deactivating of
the vibration motor and before again driving the vibration motor by
using the microphone of the electronic device, and an instruction
for controlling a driving intensity of the vibration motor by
comparing the first noise signal level and the second noise signal
level.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for controlling the driving intensity of the vibration
motor by comparing the first noise signal level and the second
noise signal level comprises an instruction for increasing the
driving intensity of the vibration motor by one level if a
difference of the first noise signal level and the second noise
signal level is less than a threshold and an instruction for
maintaining the current driving intensity of the vibration motor if
the difference of the first noise signal level and the second noise
signal level is greater than the threshold.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction for determining whether the electronic device is
located on the flat surface comprises an instruction for analyzing
at least one detection signal by using at least one of an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, and a proximity
sensor.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
instruction set further comprises an instruction for driving the
vibration motor at a pre-set vibration intensity if the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface.
[0048] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with
the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of
certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more
apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0050] FIG. 1A is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling
a vibration intensity on the basis of situation awareness in an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0051] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
controlling a vibration intensity on the basis of situation
awareness in an electronic device according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 2A is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling
a vibration intensity on the basis of situation awareness in an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0053] FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
controlling a vibration intensity on the basis of situation
awareness in an electronic device according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling
a vibration intensity on the basis of situation awareness in an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0055] FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
controlling a vibration intensity on the basis of situation
awareness in an electronic device according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling
a vibration intensity on the basis of situation awareness in an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0057] FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
controlling a vibration intensity on the basis of situation
awareness in an electronic device according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like
reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements,
features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0060] The following description with reference to the accompanying
drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of
exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and
their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist
in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely
exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments
described herein can be made without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known
functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and
conciseness.
[0061] The terms and words used in the following description and
claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are
merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent
understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent
to those skilled in the art that the following description of
exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided for
illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0062] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component
surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.
[0063] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention described
hereinafter relate to a method and apparatus for controlling
vibration intensity according to situation awareness in an
electronic device. In particular, exemplary embodiments of the
present invention relate to a method and apparatus for controlling
a vibration report in various mobile devices such as a mobile
phone, a tablet, and other similar mobile devices, and relates to a
method and apparatus for decreasing an excessive noise generated
when a vibration occurs on a hard surface, such as a desk.
[0064] FIG. 1A is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling
a vibration intensity on the basis of situation awareness in an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 1A, when an event such as receiving a call
occurs in step 100, the electronic device determines whether it is
set to a vibration mode in step 102. However, the present invention
is not limited thereto, and the event that occurs at step 100 may
be receiving a text, an alarm, or any other similar and/or suitable
event that is reported on the electronic device. If the electronic
device is not set to the vibration mode in step 102, then a
predetermined mode is performed. For example, in the predetermined
mode, the electronic device makes a bell sound for a call
event.
[0066] Otherwise, if the electronic device is set to the vibration
mode in step 102, then the electronic device, in step 104, detects
whether the electronic device is currently located on a flat
surface on the basis of a detection signal of a sensor, e.g., an
acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, a proximity sensor, or
any other similar and/or suitable sensor included in the electronic
device, before driving the vibration motor. Then, in step 206, the
electronic device determines whether the electronic device is
currently located on the flat and/or hard surface by analyzing at
least one of sensing results of the sensor. A detailed algorithm
for determining whether the electronic device is currently located
on the flat and/or hard surface is beyond the scope of the present
exemplary embodiment, and thus, will not be discussed herein for
the purpose of brevity.
[0067] If it is determined, in step 106, that the electronic device
is not located on the flat surface, then, in step 110, the
electronic device drives the vibration motor at a pre-set driving
intensity by determining that the electronic device is located in a
user's hand, bag, pocket, or any other similar location that is not
a flat and/or hard surface, and thus an excessive noise is not
generated in this situation. That is, the electronic device
vibrates while maintaining a current driving intensity of the
vibration motor. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 106 that
the electronic device is located on the flat surface, then in step
108, the electronic device drives the vibration motor at a minimum
level of the driving intensity.
[0068] In step 112, the electronic device measures a first
background noise signal level by using a microphone. According to
another exemplary embodiment, before driving the vibration motor at
the minimum level of the driving intensity, a noise level for a
case where the vibration motor is not driven may be measured by
using the microphone if it is determined that the electronic device
is located on the flat surface.
[0069] In step 114, the electronic device filters the first
background noise signal to remove a noise signal generated due to
the vibration of the vibration motor, wherein, such a noise signal
may be called a third noise signal, from the first background noise
signal which is input through the microphone. Hereinafter, the
filtered signal may be called a second background noise signal. In
other words, the second background noise signal is a signal in
which the noise signal generated due to the vibration of the
vibration motor, i.e., the third noise signal, is removed from the
first background noise signal. Since an oscillation frequency of
the vibration motor may be predetermined, a filter's pass frequency
may be determined. Furthermore, the oscillation frequency of the
vibration motor is a frequency at which the vibration motor
oscillates or moves between a starting position and an ending
position. The oscillation frequency may be predetermined, varied,
and/or determined by the electronic device. The filter may be
implemented both in software and in hardware.
[0070] In step 116, it is determined whether a difference of a
second background noise signal level and a first background noise
signal level is less than a threshold, and then, in step 118, the
electronic device increases the driving intensity of the vibration
motor if the difference is less than the threshold. For example,
the electronic device increases the driving intensity of the
vibration motor by one level from among a plurality of driving
intensity levels. Otherwise, if the difference of the second
background noise signal level and the first background noise signal
level is greater than the threshold, then the current driving
intensity of the vibration motor is maintained in step 120. In
other words, the difference between the second background noise
signal level and the first background noise signal level being
greater than the threshold implies that a vibration noise caused by
the vibration motor is large, and the difference between the second
background noise signal level and the first background noise signal
level being less than the threshold implies that the vibration
noise caused by the vibration motor is small. Therefore, when the
vibration noise caused by the vibration motor is small, the current
driving intensity of the vibration motor is increased, and when the
vibration noise caused by the vibration motor is large, then the
driving intensity of the vibration motor is maintained to satisfy a
current threshold. The threshold may be a value corresponding to a
signal level, a noise level, and/or a volume level. Thereafter, the
procedure of FIG. 1A ends.
[0071] It is described above with reference to FIG. 1A that, in
step 108, the vibration motor is driven at the minimum intensity to
measure the first noise signal level including the vibration noise,
and thereafter the driving intensity of the vibration motor is
controlled by comparing the measurement result with the second
noise signal level of which the vibration noise is filtered through
the filter.
[0072] According to another exemplary embodiment, it is also
possible in FIG. 1A that, before driving the vibration motor at the
minimum intensity in step 108, the first noise signal level not
including the vibration noise is measured, thereafter the second
noise signal level including the vibration noise is measured by
driving the vibration motor at the minimum intensity, and
thereafter the vibration noise is removed by filtering the second
noise signal. In addition, the driving intensity of the vibration
motor is controlled by comparing the first noise signal level for a
case where the vibration motor is not driven with the filtered
second noise signal level. For example, if a noise generated when
the vibration motor is driven is not large, i.e., if the generated
noise level is almost the same as a maximum acceptable noise level
value, then the driving intensity of the vibration motor is
increased. Otherwise, if a noise level value generated when the
vibration motor is driven is appropriate, i.e., if the generated
noise level is almost the same as a maximum acceptable noise level,
then the driving intensity of the vibration motor is
maintained.
[0073] That is, even after the driving intensity of the vibration
motor is increased, the driving intensity of the vibration motor is
regulated until it reaches the acceptable noise level by repeating
the steps 112 to 118. An instruction set for each step of FIG. 1A
may be stored as one or more non-transient computer readable
storage mediums or modules in memories 505 and 570 of FIG. 5. In
this case, the module stored in the memory can be executed by one
or more processors.
[0074] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
controlling a vibration intensity on the basis of situation
awareness in an electronic device according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0075] An electronic device 100 includes a location determining
unit 101 for determining whether the electronic device 100 is
currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor, e.g., an acceleration sensor, a gyroscopic
sensor, a proximity sensor, or any other similar and/or suitable
sensor included in the electronic device 100, before driving the
vibration motor, a vibration motor diving unit 103 for driving the
vibration motor at a minimum level of driving intensity if it is
determined that the electronic device is not located on the flat
surface, a noise measuring unit 105 for measuring a first
background noise signal level by using a microphone, a filtering
unit 107 for filtering the first background noise signal to remove
a noise signal generated due to the vibration of the vibration
motor, from the first background noise signal which is input
through the microphone, and a vibration motor control unit 109 for
controlling the driving intensity of the vibration motor by
comparing the difference of the second background noise signal
level and the first background noise signal level with a threshold.
Hereinafter, the filtered signal is called a second background
noise signal. The second background noise signal is a signal in
which the noise signal generated due to the vibration of the
vibration motor, i.e., the third noise signal, is removed from the
first background noise signal.
[0076] For example, if a difference of a second background noise
signal level and a first background noise signal level is less than
a threshold, then the electronic device increases the driving
intensity of the vibration motor, and otherwise if the difference
of the second background noise signal level and the first
background noise signal level is greater than the threshold, then
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor is
maintained.
[0077] As described above, the electronic device 100 drives the
vibration motor at the minimum intensity to measure the first noise
signal level including the vibration noise, and thereafter controls
the driving intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the
measurement result with the second noise signal level from which
the vibration noise is filtered through the filtering unit 105.
[0078] According to another exemplary embodiment, it is also
possible that, before driving the vibration motor at the minimum
intensity, the first noise signal level not including the vibration
noise is measured, thereafter the second noise signal level
including the vibration noise is measured by driving the vibration
motor at the minimum intensity, and thereafter the vibration noise
is removed by filtering the second noise signal. In addition, the
driving intensity of the vibration motor is controlled by comparing
the first noise signal level for a case where the vibration motor
is not driven with the filtered second noise signal level.
[0079] FIG. 2A is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling
a vibration intensity on the basis of situation awareness in an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 2A, when an event, such as receiving a
call, occurs in step 200, then the electronic device determines
whether it is set to a vibration mode in step 202. If the
electronic device is not set to the vibration mode in step 202,
then a predetermined mode is performed. For example, in the
predetermined mode, the electronic device makes a bell sound for a
call event.
[0081] Otherwise, if the electronic device is set to the vibration
mode in step 202, then, in step 204, the electronic device detects
whether the electronic device is currently located on a flat
surface on the basis of a detection signal of a sensor before
driving the vibration motor. Then, in step 206, the electronic
device determines whether the electronic device is currently
located on the flat surface by analyzing at least one of sensing
results of at least one sensor.
[0082] If it is determined, in step 206, that the electronic device
is not located on the flat surface, then, in step 210, the
electronic device drives the vibration motor at a pre-set driving
intensity by determining that the electronic device is located in a
user's hand, bag, pocket, etc., and thus an excessive noise is not
generated in this situation. That is, the electronic device
vibrates while maintaining a current driving intensity of the
vibration motor. Otherwise, if it is determined, in step 206, that
the electronic device is located on the flat surface, then, in step
208, the electronic device drives the vibration motor at a minimum
level of the driving intensity. In step 212, the electronic device
measures a background noise signal level including a vibration
noise by using a microphone.
[0083] In step 214, it is determined if the background noise signal
level including the vibration noise is less than a threshold, and
then, in step 216, the electronic device increases the driving
intensity of the vibration motor if the background noise signal
level including the vibration noise is less than the threshold.
Otherwise, if the background noise signal level including the
vibration noise is greater than the threshold, then, in step 218,
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor is maintained.
In other words, if the background noise signal level including the
vibration noise is large, it implies that a vibration noise caused
by the vibration motor is large, and if the background noise signal
level including the vibration noise is small, it implies that the
vibration noise caused by the vibration motor is small. Therefore,
when the vibration noise caused by the vibration motor is small,
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor is increased,
and when the vibration noise caused by the vibration motor is
large, the driving intensity of the vibration motor is maintained
to satisfy a current threshold. Thereafter, the procedure of FIG.
2A ends.
[0084] An instruction set for each step of FIG. 2A may be stored
and executed in a manner similar to that of the instruction set for
each step of FIG. 1A.
[0085] FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
controlling a vibration intensity on the basis of situation
awareness in an electronic device according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] An electronic device 200 includes a location determining
unit 201 for determining whether the electronic device 200 is
currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, a vibration
motor driving unit 203 for driving the vibration motor at a minimum
level of driving intensity if it is determined that the electronic
device 200 is not located on the flat surface, a noise measuring
unit 205 for measuring a background noise signal level including a
vibration noise by using a microphone, a vibration motor control
unit 207 for controlling the driving intensity of the vibration
motor according to the measured background noise signal level. For
example, if the background noise signal level including the
vibration noise is less than a threshold, then the electronic
device 200 increases the driving intensity of the vibration motor,
and otherwise if the background noise signal level including the
vibration noise is greater than the threshold, then the current
driving intensity of the vibration motor is maintained.
[0087] FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling
a vibration intensity on the basis of situation awareness in an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 3A, when an event, such as receiving a
call, a text, an alarm, occurs in step 300, then the electronic
device determines whether it is set to a vibration mode in step
302. If the electronic device is not set to the vibration mode in
step 302, then a predetermined mode is performed. For example, in
the predetermined mode, the electronic device makes a bell sound
for a call event.
[0089] Otherwise, if the electronic device is set to the vibration
mode in step 302, then, in step 304, the electronic device detects
whether the electronic device is currently located on a flat
surface on the basis of a detection signal of a sensor before
driving the vibration motor. Then, in step 206, the electronic
device determines whether the electronic device is currently
located on the flat surface by analyzing at least one of sensing
results of the sensor.
[0090] If it is determined, in step 306, that the electronic device
is not located on the flat surface, then, in step 310, the
electronic device drives the vibration motor at a pre-set driving
intensity by determining that the electronic device is located in a
user's hand, bag, pocket, etc., and thus an excessive noise is not
generated in this situation. That is, the electronic device
vibrates while maintaining a current driving intensity of the
vibration motor. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 306 that
the electronic device is located on the flat surface, then, in step
308, the electronic device drives the vibration motor at a minimum
level of the driving intensity. In step 312, the electronic device
measures a background noise signal level including a vibration
noise by using a microphone.
[0091] In step 314, the electronic device filters the background
noise signal including the vibration noise to extract a signal
corresponding to a vibration noise generated due to the vibration
of the vibration motor.
[0092] In step 316, it is determined if the level of filtered
background noise signal, i.e., the signal corresponding to the
vibration noise, is less than a threshold, and then, in step 316,
the electronic device increases the driving intensity of the
vibration motor if the level of the filtered background noise is
less than the threshold. Otherwise, if the filtered background
noise signal level is greater than the threshold, then, in step
320, the current driving intensity of the vibration motor is
maintained. In other words, if the filtered background noise signal
level is large, it implies that a vibration noise caused by the
vibration motor is large, and if the filtered background noise
signal level is small, it implies that the vibration noise caused
by the vibration motor is small. Therefore, when the vibration
noise caused by the vibration motor is small, the current driving
intensity of the vibration motor is increased, and when the
vibration noise caused by the vibration motor is large, the driving
intensity of the vibration motor is maintained to satisfy a current
threshold. Thereafter, the procedure of FIG. 3A ends.
[0093] An instruction set for each step of FIG. 3A may be stored
and executed in a manner similar to that of the instruction set for
each step of FIG. 1A.
[0094] FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
controlling a vibration intensity on the basis of situation
awareness in an electronic device according to a third exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] An electronic device 300 includes a location determining
unit 301 for determining whether the electronic device 300 is
currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, a vibration
motor driving unit 303 for driving the vibration motor at a minimum
level of driving intensity if it is determined that the electronic
device 300 is not located on the flat surface, a noise measuring
unit 305 for measuring a background noise signal level including a
vibration noise by using a microphone, a filtering 307 for
extracting a signal corresponding to the vibration noise generated
due to the vibration motor by filtering the background noise signal
including the vibration noise, and a vibration motor control unit
309 for controlling the driving intensity of the vibration motor
according to the filtered background noise signal level. For
example, if the filtered background noise signal level is less than
a threshold, then the electronic device increases the driving
intensity of the vibration motor, and otherwise if the filtered
background noise signal level is greater than the threshold, then
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor is
maintained.
[0096] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling
a vibration intensity on the basis of situation awareness in an
electronic device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 4A, when an event, such as receiving a
call occurs in step 400, the electronic device determines whether
it is set to a vibration mode in step 402. If the electronic device
is not set to the vibration mode in step 402, then a predetermined
mode is performed. For example, in the predetermined mode, the
electronic device makes a bell sound for a call event.
[0098] Otherwise, if the electronic device is set to the vibration
mode in step 402, then, in step 404, the electronic device detects
whether the electronic device is currently located on a flat
surface on the basis of a detection signal of a sensor before
driving the vibration motor. Then, in step 406, the electronic
device determines whether the electronic device is currently
located on the flat surface by analyzing at least one of sensing
results of the sensor.
[0099] If it is determined, in step 406, that the electronic device
is not located on the flat surface, then, in step 410, the
electronic device drives the vibration motor at a pre-set driving
intensity by determining that the electronic device is located in a
user's hand, bag, pocket, etc., and thus an excessive noise is not
generated in this situation. That is, the electronic device
vibrates while maintaining a current driving intensity of the
vibration motor.
[0100] Otherwise, if it is determined, in step 406, that the
electronic device is located on the flat surface, then, in step
408, the electronic device drives the vibration motor at a minimum
level of the driving intensity, and measures a first background
noise signal level including a vibration noise by using a
microphone. The electronic device deactivates the vibration motor
in step 412, and measures a second background noise signal level
not including the vibration noise in step 414.
[0101] In step 416, it is determined whether a difference of the
measured first background noise signal level including the
vibration noise and the measured second background noise signal
level not including the vibration noise is less than a threshold,
and then, in step 418, the electronic device increases the driving
intensity of the vibration motor if the measured first background
noise signal level and the measured second background signal level
is less than the threshold. Otherwise, if the difference of the
measured first background noise signal level including the
vibration noise and the measured second background noise signal
level not including the vibration noise is greater than the
threshold, then, in step 420, the current driving intensity of the
vibration motor is maintained. In other words, if the difference of
the measured first background noise signal level including the
vibration noise and the measured second background noise signal
level not including the vibration noise is large, it implies that a
vibration noise caused by the vibration motor is large, and if the
difference of the measured first background noise signal level
including the vibration noise and the measured second background
noise signal level not including the vibration noise is small, it
implies that the vibration noise caused by the vibration motor is
small. Therefore, when the vibration noise caused by the vibration
motor is small, the current driving intensity of the vibration
motor is increased, and when the vibration noise caused by the
vibration motor is large, the driving intensity of the vibration
motor is maintained to satisfy a current threshold. Thereafter, the
procedure of FIG. 4A ends.
[0102] An instruction set for each step of FIG. 4A may be stored
and executed in a manner similar to that of the instruction set for
each step of FIG. 1A.
[0103] FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
controlling a vibration intensity on the basis of situation
awareness in an electronic device, in accordance with the method of
the flowchart of FIG. 4A, according to a fourth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0104] An electronic device 400 includes a location determining
unit 401 for determining whether the electronic device 400 is
currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, a first
noise measuring unit 403 for measuring a first background noise
signal level including a vibration noise by using a microphone by
driving the vibration motor at a minimum level of driving intensity
if it is determined that the electronic device 400 is not located
on the flat surface, a vibration motor driving unit 405 for
deactivating the vibration motor, a second noise measuring unit 407
for measuring a second background noise signal level not including
a vibration noise, and a vibration motor control unit 409 for
controlling a driving intensity of the vibration motor according to
a difference of the measured first background noise signal level
including the vibration noise and the measured second background
noise signal level not including the vibration noise. For example,
the electronic device increases the driving intensity of the
vibration motor if the difference of the measured first background
noise signal level including the vibration noise and the measured
second background noise signal level not including the vibration
noise is less than the threshold. Otherwise, if the difference of
the measured first background noise signal level including the
vibration noise and the measured second background noise signal
level not including the vibration noise is greater than the
threshold, then the current driving intensity of the vibration
motor is maintained.
[0105] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device may be a portable
electronic device, and may be a device such as a portable terminal,
a mobile phone, a mobile pad, a media player, a tablet computer, a
handheld computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or any other
similar and/or suitable type of portable electronic device. In
addition, the electronic device may be any portable electronic
device including a device combining two or more functions among
these devices.
[0107] The electronic device includes an external memory 570, a
controller 500, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 530, a
Radio Frequency (RF) processor 540, a sensor module 550, a
speaker/microphone 510, a camera 520, a touch screen 560, and a
touch screen controller 565. However, the present invention is not
limited thereto, and the electronic device may include other
similar and/or suitable elements, units, and devices that may be
included in a portable electronic device.
[0108] The controller 500 may include an interface 501, an
application processor 502, a communication processor 503, and an
internal memory 505. Optionally, the entire part of the controller
500 may be referred to as a processor. The interface 501, the
application processor 502, the communication processor 503, and the
internal memory 505 may be separate components or may be integrated
into one or more integrated circuits.
[0109] The application processor 502 performs various functions for
the electronic device by executing a variety of software programs,
and the communication processor 503 processes and controls voice
communication and data communication. In addition to such
functions, the application processor 502 and the communication
processor 503 also take a role of executing a specific software
module, i.e., an instruction set, stored in the external memory 570
or the internal memory 505 and thus perform various functions
corresponding to the module. That is, the application processor 502
and the communication processor 503 perform the method of the
exemplary embodiments described above by interworking with software
modules stored in the external memory 570 or the internal memory
505.
[0110] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A, the
application processor 502 determines whether the electronic device
is currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, drives the
vibration motor at a minimum level of driving intensity if it is
determined that the electronic device is not located on the flat
surface, measures a first background noise signal level by using a
microphone, filters the first background noise signal to remove a
noise signal generated due to the vibration of the vibration motor
from the first background noise signal which is input through the
microphone, and controls the driving intensity of the vibration
motor by comparing the difference of the second background noise
signal level and the first background noise signal level with a
threshold. The second background noise signal is a signal in which
the noise signal generated due to the vibration of the vibration
motor, i.e., the third noise signal, is removed from the first
background noise signal.
[0111] For example, if a difference of a second background noise
signal level and a first background noise signal level is less than
a threshold, then the application processor 502 increases the
driving intensity of the vibration motor, and otherwise if the
difference of the second background noise signal level and the
first background noise signal level is greater than the threshold,
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor is
maintained.
[0112] As described above, the application processor 502 drives the
vibration motor at the minimum intensity to measure the first noise
signal level including the vibration noise, and thereafter controls
the driving intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the
measurement result with the second noise signal level of which the
vibration noise is filtered through the filter. According to
another exemplary embodiment, before driving the vibration motor at
the minimum intensity, the application processor 502 measures the
first noise signal level not including the vibration noise,
thereafter measures the second noise signal level including the
vibration noise by driving the vibration motor at the minimum
intensity, and thereafter removes the vibration noise by filtering
the second noise signal. In addition, the driving intensity of the
vibration motor may be controlled by comparing the first noise
signal level, for a case where the vibration motor is not driven,
with the filtered second noise signal level.
[0113] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2A, the
application processor 502 determines whether the electronic device
is currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, drives the
vibration motor at a minimum level of driving intensity if it is
determined that the electronic device is not located on the flat
surface, measures a background noise signal level including a
vibration noise by using a microphone, and controls driving the
driving intensity of the vibration motor according to the measured
background noise signal level. For example, if the background noise
signal level including the vibration noise is less than a
threshold, then the electronic device increases the driving
intensity of the vibration motor, and otherwise if the background
noise signal level including the vibration noise is greater than
the threshold, then the current driving intensity of the vibration
motor is maintained.
[0114] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A, the
application processor 502 determines whether the electronic device
is currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, drives the
vibration motor at a minimum level of driving intensity if it is
determined that the electronic device is not located on the flat
surface, measures a background noise signal level including a
vibration noise by using a microphone, extracts a signal
corresponding to the vibration noise generated due to the vibration
motor by filtering the background noise signal including the
vibration noise, and controls the driving intensity of the
vibration motor according to the filtered background noise signal
level. For example, if the filtered background noise signal level
is less than a threshold, then the electronic device increases the
driving intensity of the vibration motor, and otherwise if the
filtered background noise signal level is greater than the
threshold, then the current driving intensity of the vibration
motor is maintained.
[0115] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, the
application processor 502 determines whether the electronic device
is currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, measures a
first background noise signal level including a vibration noise by
using a microphone by driving the vibration motor at a minimum
level of driving intensity if it is determined that the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface, deactivates the
vibration motor, measures a second background noise signal level
not including a vibration noise, and controls a driving intensity
of the vibration motor according to a difference of the measured
first background noise signal level including the vibration noise
and the measured second background noise signal level not including
the vibration noise. For example, the electronic device increases
the driving intensity of the vibration motor if the difference of
the measured first background noise signal level including the
vibration noise and the measured second background noise signal
level not including the vibration noise is less than the threshold.
Otherwise, if the difference of the measured first background noise
signal level including the vibration noise and the measured second
background noise signal level not including the vibration noise is
greater than the threshold, then the current driving intensity of
the vibration motor is maintained.
[0116] The interface 501 is connected to the touch screen
controller 565 of the electronic device and the external memory
570. The sensor module 550 coupled to the interface 501 may enable
various functions. For example, a motion sensor and an optical
sensor may be coupled to the interface 501 to respectively enable
motion sensing and external light-beam sensing. In addition
thereto, other sensors, such as a location measurement system, a
temperature sensor, a biometric sensor, or the like may be coupled
to the interface 501 to perform related functions. In addition, the
sensor module 550 senses whether the electronic device is located
on the flat surface by using a sensor.
[0117] The camera 520 is coupled to the sensor module 550 via the
interface 501, and may perform a camera function such as
photographing, video clip recording, or similar functions of
recording video and/or picture information. The RF processor 540
performs a communication function. For example, an RF signal is
converted to a baseband signal under the control of the
communication processor 503, and is then provided to the
communication processor 503, or a baseband signal from the
communication processor 503 is transmitted by being converted into
an RF signal. Herein, the communication processor 503 processes the
baseband signal by using various communication schemes. For
example, although not limited thereto, the communication scheme may
include a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)
communication scheme, an Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE)
communication scheme, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
communication scheme, a Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access
(W-CDMA) communication scheme, a Long Term Evolution (LTE)
communication scheme, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple
Access (OFDMA) communication scheme, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
communication scheme, a Wireless Interoperability for Microwave
Access (WiMAX) communication scheme, a Bluetooth communication
scheme, or any other similar and/or suitable communication
scheme.
[0118] The speaker/microphone 510 may input and output an audio
stream for applications or operations such as voice recognition,
voice reproduction, digital recording, video reproduction, music
reproduction, audio file reproduction, telephony functions, and/or
any other similar applications, operations or functions including
audio and/or video information. That is, the speaker/microphone 510
converts an audio signal into an electronic signal or converts the
electronic signal into the audio signal. Although not shown, an
attachable and detachable ear phone, headphone, or headset may be
connected to the electronic device via an external port.
[0119] The touch screen controller 565 may be coupled to the touch
screen 560. Although not limited thereto, the touch screen 560 and
the touch screen controller 565 may use not only capacitance,
resistance, infrared and surface sound wave techniques for
determining one or more contact points, but also any multi-touch
sense technique including other proximity sensor arrays or other
elements to detect a contact, a movement, or stopping thereof.
[0120] The touch screen 560 provides an input/output interface
between the electronic device and the user. That is, the touch
screen 560 delivers a touch input of the user to the electronic
device. In addition, the touch screen 560 is an element which shows
or displays an output from the electronic device to the user. That
is, the touch screen shows or displays a visual output to the user.
Such a visual output is represented in the form of a text, a
graphic, a video, and a combination thereof.
[0121] A variety of displays may be used as the touch screen 560.
For example, although not limited thereto, the touch screen 560 may
include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode
(LED), a Light Emitting Polymer Display (LPD), an Organic Light
Emitting Diode (OLED), an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting
Diode (AMOLED), a Flexible LED (FLED), or any other similar and/or
suitable display device and/or display type.
[0122] The GPS receiver 530 converts a signal received from a
satellite into information of a location, a speed, a time, etc. For
example, a distance between the satellite and the GPS receiver is
calculated by multiplying a speed of light by a signal arrival
time, and a location of the electronic device is measured according
to a principle of a well-known triangulation by obtaining a
distance and a correct location of three satellites.
[0123] The external memory 570 or the internal memory 505 may
include a fast random access memory, such as one or more magnetic
disc storage devices and/or a non-volatile memory, one or more
optical storage devices, a flash memory, or any other similar
and/or suitable type of non-volatile computer readable storage
medium.
[0124] The external memory 570 and/or the internal memory 505 store
a software component. The software component includes an operating
system software module, a communication software module, a graphic
software module, a user interface software module, a Moving Picture
Experts Group (MPEG) module, a camera software module, one or more
application software modules, or any other similar and/or suitable
module or software component. In addition, since a module, i.e., a
software component, may be expressed as a group of instructions,
the module may also be expressed as an instruction set. The module
may be also expressed as a program.
[0125] The operating system software includes various software
components for controlling a general system operation. The control
of the general system operation includes memory management and
control, storage hardware and/or device control and management,
power control and management, and other similar and/or suitable
operations. In addition, the operating system software performs a
function for facilitating communication between various hardware
elements and/or devices and software elements and/or modules.
[0126] The communication software module may enable communication
with other electronic devices, such as a computer, a server, and/or
a portable terminal, via the RF processor 540. Further, the
communication software module may include a protocol structure
conforming to a corresponding communication scheme. The graphic
software module includes various software components for providing
and displaying graphics on the touch screen unit 560. The displayed
graphics may be a text, a web page, an icon, a digital image, a
video, an animation, or any other similar and/or suitable graphical
item or element that may be displayed on the touch screen unit 560.
The user interface software module includes various software
components related to the user interface. The user interface
software module includes the content related to how a state of the
user interface changes and in which condition the state of the user
interface changes.
[0127] The camera software module includes a camera-related
software component which enables camera-related processes and
functions. The application module may include a browser
application, an e-mail application, an instant message application,
a word processing application, a keyboard emulation application, an
address book application, a touch list application, a widget, a
Digital Rights Management (DRM) application, a voice recognition
application, a voice reproduction application, a location
determining function, a location-based service, or any other
similar and/or suitable application, function, or operation. The
memories 570 and 505 may further include additional modules and/or
instructions in addition to the aforementioned modules.
Alternatively, optionally, some of the modules and/or instructions
may not be used.
[0128] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A, the
application module determines whether the electronic device is
currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, drives the
vibration motor at a minimum level of driving intensity if it is
determined that the electronic device is not located on the flat
surface, measures a first background noise signal level by using a
microphone, filters the first background noise signal to remove a
noise signal generated due to the vibration of the vibration motor
from the first background noise signal which is input through the
microphone, and controls the driving intensity of the vibration
motor by comparing the difference of the second background noise
signal level and the first background noise signal level with a
threshold. The second background noise signal is a signal in which
the noise signal generated due to the vibration of the vibration
motor, i.e., the third noise signal, is removed from the first
background noise signal.
[0129] For example, if a difference of a second background noise
signal level and a first background noise signal level is less than
a threshold, then the application module increases the driving
intensity of the vibration motor, and otherwise if the difference
of the second background noise signal level and the first
background noise signal level is greater than the threshold, then
the current driving intensity of the vibration motor is
maintained.
[0130] As described above, the application module drives the
vibration motor at the minimum intensity to measure the first noise
signal level including the vibration noise, and thereafter controls
the driving intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the
measurement result with the second noise signal level of which the
vibration noise is filtered through the filter. According to
another exemplary embodiment, before driving the vibration motor at
the minimum intensity, the application module measures the first
noise signal level not including the vibration noise, thereafter
measures the second noise signal level including the vibration
noise by driving the vibration motor at the minimum intensity, and
thereafter removes the vibration noise by filtering the second
noise signal. In addition, the driving intensity of the vibration
motor is controlled by comparing the first noise signal level for a
case where the vibration motor is not driven with the filtered
second noise signal level.
[0131] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2A, the
application module determines whether the electronic device is
currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, drives the
vibration motor at a minimum level of driving intensity if it is
determined that the electronic device is not located on the flat
surface, measures a background noise signal level including a
vibration noise by using a microphone, and controls driving the
driving intensity of the vibration motor according to the measured
background noise signal level. For example, if the background noise
signal level including the vibration noise is less than a
threshold, then the electronic device increases the driving
intensity of the vibration motor, and otherwise if the background
noise signal level including the vibration noise is greater than
the threshold, then the current driving intensity of the vibration
motor is maintained.
[0132] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A, the
application module determines whether the electronic device is
currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, drives the
vibration motor at a minimum level of driving intensity if it is
determined that the electronic device is not located on the flat
surface, measures a background noise signal level including a
vibration noise by using a microphone, extracts a signal
corresponding to the vibration noise generated due to the vibration
motor by filtering the background noise signal including the
vibration noise, and controls the driving intensity of the
vibration motor according to the filtered background noise signal
level. For example, if the filtered background noise signal level
is less than a threshold, then the electronic device increases the
driving intensity of the vibration motor, and otherwise if the
filtered background noise signal level is greater than the
threshold, then the current driving intensity of the vibration
motor is maintained.
[0133] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, the
application module determines whether the electronic device is
currently located on a flat surface on the basis of a detection
signal of a sensor before driving the vibration motor, measures a
first background noise signal level including a vibration noise by
using a microphone by driving the vibration motor at a minimum
level of driving intensity if it is determined that the electronic
device is not located on the flat surface, deactivates the
vibration motor, measures a second background noise signal level
not including a vibration noise, and controls a driving intensity
of the vibration motor according to a difference of the measured
first background noise signal level including the vibration noise
and the measured second background noise signal level not including
the vibration noise. For example, the electronic device increases
the driving intensity of the vibration motor if the difference of
the measured first background noise signal level including the
vibration noise and the measured second background noise signal
level not including the vibration noise is less than the threshold.
Otherwise, if the difference of the measured first background noise
signal level including the vibration noise and the measured second
background noise signal level not including the vibration noise is
greater than the threshold, then the current driving intensity of
the vibration motor is maintained.
[0134] In addition, various functions of the electronic device of
the exemplary embodiments described above may be performed by using
one or more stream processors and/or a hardware components
including an Integrated Circuit (IC), an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory (EPROM), an Electrically EPROM (EEPROM), or any other
similar and or suitable type of hardware element or non-volatile
computer readable storage medium, and/or a software component
and/or a combination thereof.
[0135] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
since vibration intensity is controlled by determining whether a
portable terminal is located on a hard surface such as a desk, an
excessive noise may be avoided when the portable terminal vibrates
on the hard surface such as the desk.
[0136] It will be appreciated that exemplary embodiments of the
present invention according to the claims and description in the
specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or
a combination of hardware and software.
[0137] Any such software may be stored in a computer readable
storage medium. The computer readable storage medium stores one or
more programs (software modules), the one or more programs
comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more
processors in an electronic device, cause the electronic device to
perform a method of the present invention.
[0138] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or
non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a
Read Only Memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or
in the form of memory such as, for example, Random Access Memory
(RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an
optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a
Compact Disk (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), magnetic disk or
magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage
devices and storage media are exemplary embodiments of
machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or
programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly,
exemplary embodiments provide a program comprising code for
implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the
claims of this specification and a machine-readable storage storing
such a program. Still further, such programs may be conveyed
electronically via any medium such as a communication signal
carried over a wired or wireless connection and exemplary
embodiments suitably encompass the same.
[0139] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *